Product dating of
meat and poultry is not required by Federal
regulations. However, if a calendar date is
used, it must express both the month and day of
the month (and the year, in the case of
shelf-stable and frozen products). If a
calendar date is shown, immediately adjacent to
the date must be a phrase explaining the
meaning of that date such as "sell by" or "use
before." These dates cannot be modified if
packaged under federal inspection. On the other
hand, if a retailer puts the labels on
products, they may be changed if the product
remains wholesome.

There is no uniform or
universally accepted system used for food
dating in the United States. Although dating of
some foods is required by more than 20 states,
there are areas of the country where much of
the food supply has some type of open date and
other areas where almost no food is
dated.

"Open Dating" (use of a
calendar date as opposed to a code) on a food
product is a date stamped on a product's
package to help the store determine how long to
display the product for sale. Open dating is
found primarily on perishable foods such as
meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products.
"Closed" or "coded" dating might appear on
shelf-stable products such as cans and boxes of
food.

The following are labeling
guidelines to which consumers should adhere.
These guidelines ensure product safety provided
safe
handling procedures are performed after
purchase and in home.

"Sell By" date -
tells the retailer how long to display the
product for sale. You should buy the product
before the date expires. This date most often
appears on processed products that are sealed
in a plant, like hotdogs or
sausages.

"Best if Used By"
date - Date by which product should be used for
best flavor and quality. It is not a purchase
or safety date. After this date, the product
could develop an off odor, flavor or appearance
due to spoilage bacteria.

"Use-By" date - the
last date recommended for use of the product
while at peak quality. The manufacturer
determines this date. After this date,
consumers should not purchase the
product.

Tip: Always follow
manufacturers' handling and preparation
instructions or the safe handling label that is
on every package of fresh meat and
poultry.

The materials contained in this Web Site are
not intended as safety advice to any party but
as guidelines. the contents displayed and
linked to in no way represent advice by the
American Meat Institute. Please consult the
safe handling directions and labeling on meat
and poultry products for assurances. For more
information, please contact FSIS for details.